VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach EMS is hosting an open house on Saturday.
EMS Division Chief John Bianco believes the open house is a way for residents to socialize with EMS staff and become more familiar with the services EMS provides.
“We want our members to have fun and take time to learn more about our programs,” Bianco said. “We also want the community to have a better understanding of what we do — and if they are interested, we would love for them to put in an application and become a volunteer.”
During the open house, resident will be able to participate in the following interactive, hand-on demonstrations:
- Ambulance simulator – The simulator allows novice providers to practice their skills in a controlled environment.
- LUCAS device – The Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System device provides mechanical, continuous chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest. The battery-powered device frees up providers to administer medications, talk to the patient or give other life-saving care.
- Video laryngoscopy (VL) – The video camera technology that providers use to visualize airways to help with endotracheal intubation (ETI). This demo will be done on a mannequin or simulated patient.
- Whole Blood simulation – VB EMS was the first in Hampton Roads to implement the Whole Blood Initiative, in which first responders administer blood to trauma patients in the field. This demo will use fake blood, but attendees can see this life-saving transfusion in action.
The event takes place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at EMS headquarters, 4160 Virginia Beach Blvd.
For more information about this event click here.